Category Archives: Christian Life

46a BY THE WAY…WHAT DOES “BINDING AND LOOSING MEAN”?

Christian Life, ,

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Now, here’s a humdinger! 

The most commonly-preached version of Jesus’ instruction to His disciples at Caesarea Philipppi…to explain “spiritual warfare”…has opened a “Pandora’s box” of fanciful interpretations. According to this idea, in simple terms, Jesus gave His disciples the authority to bind the devil, to hinder his evil power by their words, and to loose the Holy Spirit in situations where Satan seems to have the upper hand. 

Where, in the whole of Scripture, does this idea originate!

“Binding and loosing” was a religious and culturally understood concept of authority in first century Israel. Jesus, as a “rabbi with authority”, “sh’mikah”…one of the few to have this authority in His day… given to Him by the Father… would have dictated the terms of this authority, called His “yoke” which, He said, was already decreed in heaven.  Against the backdrop of the strict legalism of the religious leaders, Jesus invited His people to share His yoke. 

“Jesus’s yoke is a metaphor from Matthew 11:28–30, where Jesus invites weary people to take his yoke upon them, promising that his “yoke is easy, and my burden is light”.

Core Biblical Meaning

  • The Yoke Metaphor: A yoke is a wooden beam or harness placed across the shoulders of draft animals like oxen to help them pull a heavy load or plow a field. In ancient times, a rabbi’s “yoke” also referred to his specific teaching style, interpretation of the scriptures, and way of life.
  • Partnering with Christ: A dual-animal yoke paired a younger, inexperienced ox with a stronger, older, and wiser ox. When Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,” he means walking alongside him. Jesus shares the yoke with the believer, carrying the primary weight and doing the heavy lifting.
  • Contrast with Legalism: Jesus was contrasting his gentle, loving approach with the heavy, legalistic burdens and hundreds of rigid rules imposed by the religious leaders and Pharisees of his day.
  • Rest for the Soul: Rather than offering an escape from life’s responsibilities or work, Jesus provides a transformed rhythm of life, grace, and inner rest instead of anxiety and self-righteous striving.” (Source: Google AI)

What did Jesus’ words have to do with “binding and loosing”?

“In Matthew 16:19, “binding and loosing” refers to first-century rabbinic idioms regarding moral, legal, and doctrinal authority: binding meant to declare something forbidden or prohibited, while loosing meant to declare something permitted or allowed. 

When Jesus told Peter, “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” He was granting foundational authority to Peter—and later the apostles—to set the parameters and rules for the New  Covenant community (the Church) in alignment with God’s pre-established divine will.” (Source: Google AI)

All this to explain that, in the atmosphere of the terrible idolatrous beliefs and practices which the disciples were there at Caesarea Philippi to see in person, Jesus declared that His yoke…His way of doing life in obedience to God’s Torah…which He himself modelled and taught… would displace the yokes of debauched paganism and religious legalism. 

The yoke of legalism, modelled by the Pharisees, was burdensome. Jesus’ yoke of mercy and grace was liberating and brought rest. 

The crux of the matter was that It was Jesus’ yoke that heaven permitted and that the yoke of the Pharisees was forbidden…already a done deal from heaven’s perspective. 

Jesus could introduce His yoke as God’s directive because He died to make possible the transformation of a rebel slave into a willing son. 

The real issue was that, at every place, like Caesarea Philippi, where idolatry has displaced God’s rule on earth, Jesus would transform pagans into a community of His people by the power of His yoke. 

So, what do we make of the teaching on “spiritual warfare”?

To be continued…

44 BY THE WAY…WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT MURDER?

Christian Life, ,

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus’ coming into the world confirmed a spiritual truth that has been in operation since the beginning of time. When God said,  “Let there be light”, He meant far more than physical light because physical light, in the creation narrative, only happened with the creation of the physical universe, on day four. 

Jesus’ presence at creation and His physical presence on earth came with the fulness of revelation about the Father, Himself the Son, the Holy Spirit and humans, that opens the way for us to have a place in God’s eternal kingdom. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus presented Himself as the very presence of God’s light in the world. His presence would dispel the darkness of unbelief and sin in the life of everyone who believes in Him. 

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Unbelief allows humans to accept as truth anything that contradicts what God has said because the human heart is at enmity with God and refuses to accept truth. In fact, Paul wrote, people deliberately suppress the truth by their wickedness. 

This rejection of truth causes the mind to become darkened. 

“The Bible describes the darkness of unbelief as a state of spiritual blindness, alienation from God, and a willful preference for sin over divine truth. It is characterized as a condition where the mind is darkened in its understanding and the heart is hardened.” (Source: Google AI)

Let’s examine some of the ways in which darkness is evidenced in people’s behaviour…in particular,  the downward trajectory of anger that ends in murder, either in intention or in action. 

  1. Anger

Anger is the trigger that leads to the next step. Why anger? Let’s see what Jesus said. 

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Anger is murder already committed in the heart. 

  1. Covetousness

The Ten Commandments conclude with a comprehensive list of what people must not covet…

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬

“In the Bible, covetousness is a strong, inordinate desire for what belongs to others, considered a serious heart sin and a form of idolatry, essentially replacing God with possessions or people as your ultimate satisfaction. It’s forbidden in the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17) and described by Paul as linked to immorality and greed, leading to a lack of contentment and a divided heart, making a person an idolater.

(Source: Google AI)

Why would anger lead to covetousness?

  1. Envy

In Matthew’s record of Jesus’ trial, he slipped in this comment…

“For he (Pilate) knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Envy” is more the jealousy. It includes the idea of a corrupted, depraved heart that seeks to harm the person it envies. 

Envy is the counterpart and inevitable consequence of covetousness. Envy often leads to a murderous intent. 

“In the Bible, envy means feeling bitter sorrow or resentment at another’s blessings, success, or possessions, often coupled with a desire to harm them or take what they have, and it’s consistently condemned as a destructive “work of the flesh” leading to strife, division, and spiritual decay, unlike “jealousy,” which can sometimes reflect God’s zeal for His own glory. Key examples include Cain’s envy of Abel (Genesis 4) and Saul’s envy of David (1 Samuel 18).” 

(Source: Google AI)

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“In the Bible, covetousness (wanting what others have) and envy (resenting others for having it, wanting them to lose it) are deeply connected sins, both stemming from discontentment with God’s provision and a lack of trust, often leading to idolatry, strife, and evil practices. Covetousness focuses on “I want that,” leading to greed, while envy focuses on “I don’t want them to have it,” leading to hatred and division, but both are rooted in selfish desire and a fleshly heart, as seen in Cain’s envy of Abel or Jacob’s early jealousy…”

“In essence, covetousness is the initial desire for what someone else has, while envy is the bitter resentment that they possess it, both leading to disorder and turning hearts away from God.”

Covetousness and envy drive the world, motivated by greed and…at the heart of this pattern is the choice to live in the kingdom of “I don’t need God. I am my own god.” 

Murder is often the bitter fruit of covetousness. The one who covets takes the life of the victim to snatch the prize. 

Jesus put anger as trigger for murder. It seems that covetousness and anger are bedfellows. One cannot simply covet without being angry with the person who, one deems, has no right to have what the other wants. 

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The path to murder begins with anger, even if the deed in not literally carried out. Just as lust is the first step to adultery…so also murder is the inevitable outcome of anger…in the heart or in practice. 

The human heart is a complex mixture of emotions…and difficult to disentangle at times.  Very often, anger is a convenient coverup for emotional pain. A person is not angry by nature. He/she develops an angry disposition to hide the pain they are afraid to reveal. 

The angry person may recognise something in the victim they crave, be it emotional or material. So, the goodness of Jesus, accompanied by popularity, and an enthusiastic following of the people, enraged the religious leaders. They refused to tolerate who He was. The outcome was illegitimately contrived murder. 

Scripture’s solution is…guard your heart! Envy can only be eradicated by cultivating an attitude of contentment. 

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul himself had to go through the process. 

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Godly contentment is a barrier to envy that can’t be breached because it is Jesus who builds the protection and is, Himself, the guardrail. We can only immunise ourselves from murderous intent, even if in the heart alone, by remaining in Him, since, outside of Jesus, no one can know the lengths to which we can go to get what we want. 

43 BY THE WAY…WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE “READY”?

Christian Life, ,

Jesus is coming again…soon! He gave His disciples three instructions in preparation for His coming…”be watchful”…”be ready” and…”be prayerful”. 

Some people believe that being ready means…giving up their jobs…packing up their homes…gathering emergency supplies…and retreating to some safe, hidden place to await His return! 

That’s not what Jesus meant. 

Being ready is much simpler than that!

Let’s look at it this way. Let’s say you are an employee in a very big company. The business has many branches worldwide, with many officials in charge of its multiplicity of departments. The company’s CEO has delegated his authority to competent people, trusting that they will faithfully carry out their leadership functions while he oversees the entire enterprise.

How will this CEO ensure that his company functions at full capacity? He will issue his instructions and trust his employees to do their work to the best of their ability under the reliable leadership of the each departmental head.  Since he cannot be everywhere at once, he must entrust his authority to his delegated subordinates. 

What if some of some of his officials decide, in his absence, to go rogue…to sit at their desks and do nothing while the subordinates do whatever they like.  Worse still…what if they actively channel the company’s profits into their own bank accounts while the CEO is elsewhere?

Which of the department’s heads would the CEO reward on his return, and which would he fire? Of course, he would commend those who were doing their work as instructed when he turned up unexpectedly. It was not his intention for his employees to do anything else than carry out his instructions. He was not looking for initiators or innovators. He was looking for those who would faithfully do what he wanted. 

This is the exact picture Jesus gave His disciples and those who come after them. Being ready for the Master’s return is not about hiding in a secret place to escape trouble or failing to carry out His orders.  It’s about carrying out the Master’s instructions right up to the moment He appears. It’s about being faithful to one’s specific calling no matter what it costs. 

In the enterprise of the kingdom of God, the number of functions is as vast and as varied as the number of those who participate. Every person has a unique place in a mosaic of gifts for the benefit of the whole body. If one gift is missing, the picture will be incomplete. 

So, Jesus explained…being ready simply means doing one’s job faithfully until the second He turns up….and finds you doing what He told you to do. 

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭45‬-‭47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What, then, does “watch” mean?

It would be easy to think that “watching” would cancel out “being faithful”. How can one watch and work at the same time? 

“When Jesus told his disciples to “watch” (using the Greek word gregoreuo), he meant staying spiritually alert, awake, and vigilant rather than falling into spiritual complacency or physical sleep.”

“Key Meanings of “Watching”

  • Staying spiritually alert: Being fully aware of one’s inner spiritual condition and the unseen moral and spiritual realities around you. 
  • Resisting temptation: Guarding against sin, compromise, and the weaknesses of human nature, famously summarized in Matthew 26:41 (“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation”). 
  • Preparing for the future: Keeping ready for unexpected trials, persecution, or the eventual return of Christ. 
  • Partnering with prayer: Combining alertness with constant prayer to receive God’s strength where human willpower fails. (Source: Google AI)

I refer my readers to an excellent article in www.gotquestions.org…

“What does it mean to watch and pray?” 

Watch, then, is not about literally “watching” for danger, interference, or distraction…but for the spiritual counterparts that would take one’s attention away from one’s designated duty in the kingdom. 

The “pray” part of Jesus’ instruction is equally important for at least two reasons…

1.Prayer keeps us in touch with headquarters. We must know our day-to-day functions as well as the overall calling on our lives. Jesus does not leave us to plot our own course. He needs us to report for duty daily as part of our faithful service. 

2.Prayer acknowledges our capacity to go astray. 

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭41‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There will be times when we are tempted to run ahead, to act alone, to change course, to take the initiative, or to opt out when we are tested, tired, disappointed,  or disillusioned. Prayer is the antidote to falling into any of these temptations that might disqualify us from receiving our reward. 

To summarise…being ready for Jesus’ return is…being faithful, being alert, and being prayerful. 

40 BY THE WAY…HOW CAN WE BE SECURE IN AN INSECURE WORLD?

Christian Life, ,

“Fear” is the name of the game in our world. Dig just a little under the words, the behaviour of the unbelieving world… and the stench of fear begins to waft out. Fear drives every action and reaction because fear is the fruit of deliberate independence from God.

“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The urge for self-preservation is so strong that it undergirds every thought and action…the greed, the wickedness that characterise society…and even in the most civil and congenial of neighbourhoods, fear reigns. 

The world is made up of billions of units…individuals… each one separate and distinct, isolated and fighting for self. Even in families, the units are at work. 

Jesus came to set up another kind of community…one that is not fractured by alienation, aggression, and self-preservation but bound together by a common life.

Jesus’ family, washed clean of the powerful self that demands priority in everything, is a  different unit…all joined to one another by the life of Jesus, sustaining each one and bonding them all together by His own Spirit. 

Two powerful threads hold the “body of Christ” together, both initiated by the Holy Spirit…love and unity. 

The first thread is love…the love of God dispensed to us by His Spirit…

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV

What is this love of God that the Spirit pours into our hearts? It’s the attitude and action of serving others at our own expense. Feelings come and go. God’s love steadfastly gives away regardless of the feelings. 

The amazing thing about God’s love in us is that it begins with a choice and slowly becomes a disposition. God’s love weaves itself into our nature, choice by choice, action by loving action until… it becomes a part of why we are.  

The second thread that binds God’s people together is unity. 

Jesus achieved unity by destroying the natural hostility between Jew and Gentile…

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Holy Spirit implements the unity by imparting to each believer the life of Jesus so that the same life is at work in each individual. It is the Spirit who unites but we who maintain that unity by actively participating in the life of the Spirit in us. 

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this community of unity, God the Holy Spirit does what He does…He unites… and the members of the body must do what they must do. The functions are not interchangeable. The Spirit initiates the unity. The body must maintain the unity by actively seeking peaceful interaction with one another…

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Word of God is the glue that bonds us together as we apply the truth of His Word to our hearts. 

It’s our belongingness, then, that gives us security, first, because we belong to Him through His shed blood. 

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Then, we belong to one another in His body, regardless of our natural and external differences,  because of our shared life. 

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The strength of our security is in our belongingness. 

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV

We have Jesus’ own reassurance…

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

37a BY THE WAY…WHAT IS “THE POWER OF SILENCE”?

Christian Life, ,

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:… a time to tear and a time to mend,a time to be silent and a time to speak,”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬, ‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God’s Word has much to say about words…God’s words…and our words. 

First…God’s words are…

Flawless

“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Eternal

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Wise

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Powerful

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Creative

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Teach

Correct

Rebuke

Train

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Purify

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭9 NIV‬‬

Protect

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:11 NIV

Guide

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭105‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Save

“…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 3:15 NIV

Liberate

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV

Sanctify

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Wow! If God’s word is and does all this and more, why do I write about the power of silence? 

The more I study the Word of God, the more I recognise how much power is in the spoken word. God’s words are creative, powerful, and energising. He does everything through His Word. 

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The greatest truth of all is that Jesus Himself is the Word made flesh. 

Jesus sustains the universe by His Word. He saves, heals, and restores through His Word. When He returns, He will purify the earth with His Word, set up His kingdom and accomplish all that the Word of God has even spoken through Him. 

Jesus’ entire mission was built on the Father’s Word. 

“I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.””

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.”

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭49‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus had a disciplined tongue…speaking only truth, and using His words to benefit all people, even, and especially those who spoke against Him. 

How, then, did Jesus use the power of silence, especially when He was under pressure to defend Himself, His person and His ministry? 

Jesus’ silence was strategic. There were times when He was being put to the test by His opponents, for example, the incident recorded in John 8…the woman caught in adultery…to incriminate Himself. His accusers put pressure on Him to respond…but He said nothing. 

“They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger…Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.”

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬, ‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus’ action spoke louder than words. He wrote verses from Jeremiah on the ground that His enemies, well versed in the Scriptures, knew full well. 

“I, the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” …Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭10‬, ‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He let God’s word speak, and in doing so, vindicated His refusal to condemn the woman. 

Jesus’ silence was also a refusal The walls of Jericho presented a formidable obstacle to God’s  promise…”I have given you the land…” The Israelites could see them from the banks of the Jordan river…thick, high, and impenetrable. They had no equipment for a siege…no battle strategy…no trained soldiers…only a mob of runaway ex-slaves freshly out of forty years in the wilderness!

The process of crossing the Jordan, and finally setting up camp outside Jericho took weeks…maybe months…to complete…including building a memorial of stones in the middle of the Jordan river, circumcising all the second-generation male Israelites at Gilgal, and celebrating the Passover…

Then what? The one thing Joshua had at that moment was God’s authorisation and His promise. 

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…but no strategy…and a formidable city blocking their way!

God’s equipment for the battle was strange…unusual…given to Joshua piece by piece. 

THE PRINCIPLE

“I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭

The promise was still there, first given to Moses…now repeated to Joshua. He, Joshua, was to carry the authority given to Moses, to execute God’s plan but…he must first be equipped with God’s Word, deeply embedded in his soul. 

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The principle is clear. 

No one can accomplish a task given by God without first being absolutely confident of who gave the instruction and how that instruction is to be carried out. Prayer, for any reason, can only be true prayer if it stands firmly on the authority of the one to whom Joshua prays. His confidence must be firmly embedded in the word of the one who had commissioned him. 

THE PRESENCE

Joshua stood outside Jericho, looking up at the walls. What was he thinking? “How on earth are we, a mob of ex-slaves, supposed to conquer this city?”

Before Joshua could embark on the formidable task of destroying Jericho, he had to know who was in charge. This was not his campaign. It was God’s campaign through Joshua and he must be sure of it. 

On the eve of the attack, God met him in person…a man with a drawn sword. Who was the man? From where did he come? Why was he there? 

“When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A shocking…a terrifying response…it was the Lord Himself…in person…to take charge…with a message and a reassurance. Just what Joshua needed! 

“But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.”

Jesus, the Lord, had come Himself to lead the campaign. His presence guaranteed the outcome. He was already there!Unseen, but present, nothing could stand in His way. 

That’s all the assurance Joshua needed. He could confidently give the instructions, knowing that, however bizarre they might sound in a situation like they faced, victory was sure. 

THE PREPARATION

As we move through the stages of this battle to victory, the more we become aware that the battle they were about to engage in was more than natural. Soldiers don’t normally go to war with trumpets and shouts for weapons, and sure of victory before they even set out!

“Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns.”

What was that supposed to do? Why priests? Why the Ark? Why march around the city for six days? Why seven times on the seventh day? 

It all sounds so crazy…until you view it from God’s perspective.  Intimidating the enemy? Staking their claim to the city? Consolidating their faith in God? Believing the promise already given? Perhaps all of these things were formed in them as they marched. God needed time to settle their fears and arouse their expectations. This strategy was all about careful preparation. 

THE PROCLAMATION

“On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can.”

The trumpet blast and the shout triggered the collapse of the walls. Why?

This shout was not about people yelling to make a noise. This was the specific way to welcome the arrival of a conquering king. The Israelites were to acknowledge  the arrival of their Lord who had already assured them of victory. The walls simply collapsed at the presence of the commander of the Lord’s army. 

THE PRIZE

“Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬, ‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God and His people, working in obedience to His instructions and in tandem with Him, were a winning team. Everything happened just as He had promised. All they had to do was to was to finish what they had started together. 

The principles in this story are clear. Whatever “walls” block the way to possession of your “territory”, the steps to answered prayer are the same. 

God’s Word, in all the facets of its truth, must be the ground on which you stand. 

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This is God’s battle. You are not in charge. Jesus is “the commander of the Lord’s army”. He gives the strategy and the instructions. Ask Him for the word that the outcome promises. 

“Then the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?” And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.” And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.””

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

His presence is the fundamental fact in your enterprise. Without Him, you can do nothing. 

““Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wait for Him to act. Time is the opportunity to build unwavering confidence in Him and His promise. Time is not delay but part of the strategy. “God will not answer your prayers until He has put all the structures in place to maintain that answer.”

Affirm His Lordship with the shout of victory. Welcome Him…He is there. He is present with His authority and power to demolish the walls of resistance. Declare the victory with confidence. 

The prize is yours. You will see the “walls” collapse as He works out His victory over all the obstacles you have faced. 

On many occasions, Jesus’ silence was a refusal to defend Himself. His silence was both the fulfilment of prophecy…

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…before the Sanhedrin…

“Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.”

…Pilate…

“But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…Herod…

“He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…and His resounding declaration the final nail in His coffin when He responded to a question He was under obligation to answer…

“Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭60‬-‭64‬

What do we make of Jesus’ refusal to reply, interspersed with answers to questions? He used both His words and His silence to move the process along to its predetermined end. 

To sum up, it seems that Jesus refused to waste words. He said nothing when He was falsely accused. He spoke God’s word into situations that required truth. 

For example…

“The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus’ words had both authority and power…

“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.””

‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭47‬-‭50‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John put the person and work of Jesus in its perfect perspective… 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus is the Word incarnate, in the fullest sense…God, eternal, creator, and life-giving. He is the embodiment of everything God said has to say to mankind. 

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

His silence had equal power…

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…Therefore, Jesus used His words thoughtfully, carefully, skilfully, and strategically to accomplish the Father’s purpose on earth… both by what He said and by what He refused to say.